Public health officials are warning of increased measles risk across Europe following a decline in vaccination rates, a trend exacerbated by factors including pandemic-related disruptions to healthcare and growing vaccine misinformation [[2]]. Measles is highly contagious, and outbreaks can lead to serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations [[1]]. New data reveals that vaccination coverage has dropped in half of European countries in the last two years, raising concerns about a potential widespread resurgence of the disease.
Vaccination rates against measles have declined in half of European countries over the past two years, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the highly contagious disease. Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that 15 out of 29 monitored nations experienced drops in full vaccination coverage – meaning two doses of the measles vaccine – between 2022 and 2024, the latest year for which complete data are available.
Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for preventing measles outbreaks, as the virus spreads easily among unvaccinated individuals. Currently, only four European countries have achieved the 95% vaccination threshold considered necessary for population-level protection.
Portugal is among the limited number of nations still meeting this critical benchmark. The ECDC data highlight a growing vulnerability across the continent, as declining immunization rates increase the risk of measles transmission and potential complications. The findings underscore ongoing public health challenges related to vaccine hesitancy and access.
